What You Helped Make Possible in 2025
As we begin the new year, we wanted to pause and share a snapshot of what your support helped make possible at the 431 Exchange in 2025.
Thanks to our community of donors, partners, and advocates, we not only met—but exceeded—our annual fundraising goal, raising $141,785 in support of adult scholars and our broader mission.
Just as important as the numbers are the lives behind them.
Because of you, scholars across Louisiana—and beyond—were able to persist, advance, and imagine futures that once felt out of reach.
Jose Pilartes-Congo, now pursuing a doctorate in Geospatial Computer Science, shared that the 431 Exchange’s support left him feeling “filled with warmth, kindness, and encouragement,” adding that this recognition continues to inspire both his academic growth and professional confidence.
Cameron Guzzetta, a Doctor of Dental Surgery student at LSU Health Sciences Center, told us that the combination of financial assistance and career preparation—from interview workshops to mentorship—allowed him to focus fully on his goal of entering dental school, reducing stress and strengthening his confidence at a critical moment.
For Jacelynn Bass, a marketing student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette who pays for school on her own, the scholarship’s impact is felt every semester. She shared that knowing her books are covered lifts an enormous burden and that the encouragement she received during her first interview “really meant the world” to her.
And for Anaya LeBlanc, a nursing student at Dillard University, the scholarship has been both practical and deeply affirming. She described it as “a beacon of light during challenging times,” reminding her that she is seen, supported, and believed in as she prepares for a career of service.
In addition to direct scholarship impact, 2025 marked several important milestones for the organization:
Our documentary Exchange Place received broadcast commitments from WYES and PBS SoCal, bringing us closer to sharing this story with a national audience.
We launched our first scholar-led alumni network, creating new pathways for mentorship, leadership, and peer support.
We welcomed new institutional partners, including the Keller Foundation, the Greater New Orleans Foundation, and The Rotary Club.
Our board expanded to help guide the next phase of the 431 Exchange’s growth.
Since our founding, the 431 Exchange has now supported 142 scholars with nearly 300 scholarships—a testament to what sustained community investment can achieve.
We are also excited to share that the next scholarship round will open on January 15, with more details and a direct application link coming next week.
Thank you for being part of this work. Your belief in adult learners continues to create opportunity, dignity, and lasting impact—and it is shaping an even more ambitious year ahead.
With gratitude,
Jeanne and Jeff Geoffray
The 431 Exchange